Whether pesky telemarketers or unwanted acquaintances, the ability to block numbers on an iPhone could come in handy. But until iOS 7, the feature wasn't included built into the iPhone -- and iOS 7 is still in beta, not commonly available to most users. So what can be done?

Check With Your Service Provider

Many cell providers offer call blocking. For instance, Sprint offers blocking options on their login page. Verizon and AT&T; offer similar options, with the ability to restrict certain numbers from calling or texting you. They also allow reinstating calling ability. Log on to your cell provider's website to see if you can block calls and texts from the company portal.

Silence Them

As there's not a built-in option for blocking calls just yet, many have resorted to putting numbers they wish to block in their phone under the name "Ignore This Call" and setting both the ringer and the text tone to "None" -- in other words, if they call, you won't have your usual phone alerts.

iBlacklist

For more advanced iPhone users, there is the option of installing a program called iBlacklist. However, as of June 2013, it is only supported for jailbroken iPhones -- meaning you'd be tinkering with the firmware of the phone, and risking locking up your iPhone. iBlacklist costs $12.99 and allows users to easily block calls and texts from recent numbers - providing a way to do it within the phone itself. However, it should be emphasized that this option comes with many risks of permanently locking up your phone and, in the process, voiding your warranty.

TrapCall

One last option (before iOS 7 is released and this is no longer an issue) is TrapCall. Though this also doesn't block calls, per se, it does unmask blocked Caller IDs, and provides an "ignore call" feature that tells the caller that the line has been disconnected. The service works with most cell providers, but a subscription fee is required, and prices vary by the length of agreement -- whether month to month or one or two years.

About the Author

David Wenz is a writer living in Philadelphia. He has written for Balancing Up, Content Standard, Opposing Views and other publications. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Nebraska.